Rescued pup becomes first dog to climb Everest

Stray dogs inside a cage on the back of a truck in Bangalore. An abandoned puppy went on to become the first dog known to have reached base camp on Mount Everest, his new owner said on Nov. 13, 2013.

An abandoned puppy rescued from a rubbish dump in India has trekked to Everest Base Camp, becoming what is believed to be the first dog to tackle the peak, his owner said Wednesday.

Former professional golfer Joanne Lefson told AFP she adopted the 11-month-old dog, called Rupee, in the mountainous Indian town of Leh last September and decided to take him on a trip to base camp at 5,364 metres (17,598 feet).

The pair began "Expedition Mutt Everest 2013" in the Himalayan town of Lukla on October 14, intending to raise awareness about the plight of homeless dogs and promote pet adoption.

They accomplished their record-making feat thirteen days later, describing it as "one giant leap for dog-kind" on Facebook.

"I am so proud of Rupee. I thought I might have to carry him on some days, but instead, he took the lead and pulled me along," Lefson said.

"I hope his accomplishment will compel people to be kinder to animals, especially strays. We need to realise that every life matters," she added.

Rupee and his owner trekked across rickety bridges and wet mountain paths, dodging landslides along the way.

Despite missing part of his right ear and being close to death only a few weeks ago, Rupee had no trouble adjusting to the altitude and relished his first taste of snow.

"He loved the snow, he ate it, he played in it, if I had let him, he would have slept in it too," Lefson said.

Photographs on the Facebook site show the puppy enjoying the sights and sounds of Nepal, cuddling with bearded Hindu monks in Kathmandu and playing with children in the Himalayan town of Namche Bazaar.

The pair are now in Lefson's native South Africa, where Rupee is catching up on his sleep.

Lefson is preparing to launch a book next week devoted to her former dog Oscar who accompanied her around the world.